Tips for Helping an Aging Loved One Avoid Boredom

By Debbie Waddell, 9:00 am on May 7, 2019

Many family caregivers don’t realize boredom can actually impact a senior’s physical and mental health. Seniors might end up developing serious health complications if they don’t challenge their cognitive abilities and engage socially. To keep your aging loved one from getting bored, you’ll need to come up with a multifaceted plan.

Take a Look at Volunteer Positions

A team of doctors at Rotman Research Institute recently carried out a long-term study on the benefits volunteering has for seniors. The study revealed that volunteering for three or four hours a week can reduce feelings of isolation, depression, and boredom. If your loved one isn’t very mobile, explore in-home volunteering opportunities, such as making quilts for the needy or writing letters to soldiers who are overseas.

For seniors with mobility issues or other health conditions, professional caregivers can be a great asset. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Roseville Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Schedule Family Game Nights

Playing board games is another pastime that seems to greatly benefit older adults. In addition to challenging cognitive skills, board games can also serve as an impetus for social gatherings. Once or twice a week, set up a game night with family members and friends. You also have the option of scheduling a weekly card game night if your loved one isn’t interested in board games. As an added bonus, you can turn the game night into a potluck so your loved one can search for new recipes and spend some time in the kitchen cooking delicious dishes.

Use Technology to Connect with Loved Ones

One of the reasons many seniors feel isolated is because they aren’t near any family members or friends. Handwritten letters are a great option, but writing can be difficult for those with dexterity issues. To make socializing easier, consider teaching your loved one how to use a video messaging service. These programs are very easy to master, and they often require nothing more than a smartphone or laptop.

If your loved one usually relies on you to alleviate boredom but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you.Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Roseville families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.

Search for Community Resources for the Elderly

Most cities have at least a few senior centers, and some of these organizations have excellent resources for older adults. A local senior center might have weekly game nights, adult dance classes, and other exciting events. Many even offer transportation services to those who are no longer able to drive. If your loved one has never been very social, encourage him or her to take a look at adult classes at nearby senior centers or libraries.

Adopt a Senior Pet

Taking care of a cat or dog can positively impact many different aspects of a senior’s health. It can also provide a sense of purpose and motivation to carry out daily pet care chores. While it might be tempting to pick up a small kitten or puppy, younger animals can be a handful. As an alternative, take a look at senior pets. Older animals tend to be much more relaxed, and shelters often allow you to adopt them for free or a very small fee.

Prolonged or frequent bouts of boredom can result in mental, emotional, and physical challenges, but seniors don’t have to manage them alone. In Roseville, elder care agenciescan be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 916.226.3737.